Journey to the Source:

Finding the First Spring of the North Fork

To visit the first spring of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, follow these steps:

  1. Take Interstate 81 to Exit 264 for US-211 toward New Market/Timberville/Luray.

  2. Continue on VA-211 W into Rockingham County for 6.5 miles.

  3. Turn right onto VA-211 W/W Old Cross Rd and continue for 4.9 miles.

  4. Turn left onto State Route 618/Lone Pine Dr and drive 1.5 miles.

  5. Take E Lee St to VA-259/Brocks Gap Rd in Broadway:

    • Turn left onto VA-42 S/Timber Way.

    • Turn right onto E Lee St.

  6. Follow VA-259/Brocks Gap Rd to State Route 818 in Fulks Run for 12.4 miles.

  7. Continue onto VA-259/Brocks Gap Rd and turn left onto State Route 818/Little Dry River Rd.

  8. Turn left again to stay on State Route 818/Little Dry River Rd.

  9. After about 11 miles, you will see a large open field. Continue for 0.3 miles past the field.

  10. You will come to a split in the road with a sign reading, "A Beautiful Forest Is A Matchless Sight." Stay right at the split.

  11. Shortly after the sign, you will see a road on your left. Turn left and park in the open area.

  12. Walk back down to the main road (Little Dry River Rd). The path to the first spring is across from where you parked, slightly to the right.

  13. The path is not marked or well groomed. The walk to the first spring is only about one minute. You will need to cross over the spring to find the marker.